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Handicap Fundamentals

Start here: what a golf handicap is, how a Handicap Index works, what counts as a good score, and how to get an official handicap.

All Guides Handicap Fundamentals (12) Handicap Calculation (4) USGA & WHS (2) Course Rating & Slope (3) Handicap Improvement (2) Golf Scoring & Stats (7) Competitive Golf (3) Handicap Technology (3) International Handicaps (2)

WHS table of differentials used and adjustments with fewer than 20 scores

August 13, 2026 Handicap Fundamentals

Golf Handicap Calculation Formula Explained

To calculate your golf handicap under the World Handicap System (WHS), you need scores from at least 54 holes, for example three 18-hole rounds. For...

Golf handicap concept showing a golfer and scorecard

August 13, 2026 Handicap Fundamentals

What Is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s demonstrated playing ability, calculated from recent scores to allow players of different skill levels to...